President Bartlet's Bagel (Briefing Room — S01E05)

A palm-sized, ring-shaped bagel—likely plain or lightly seeded—with a faint bake sheen and chewy texture. It sits in or near President Bartlet's hand during the briefing-room rehearsal; he nibbles or brandishes it as he answers, staff glance at it, and its easy presence punctures the tension of the run-through.

2 appearances

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S1E5 · The Crackpots and These Women

Sidetracked Rehearsal — Bartlet's Deflection and Josh's Withdrawal

A bagel is munched by Bartlet while he answers questions, a domestic, disarming prop that undercuts the gravity of the debate and signals his casual control of the room's tone.

Before: In Bartlet's hand near the podium, ready to be nibbled.

After: Being eaten through the exchange; remains a small, ongoing distraction.

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S1E5 · The Crackpots and These Women

Josh Frozen Outside the Briefing

The President’s bagel sits as a small prop at the podium, a domestic, disarming detail that punctuates the rehearsal’s tone and highlights the casual veneer over the staff’s tense interactions.

Before: At or near the podium, available to the President as a casual prop/refreshment.

After: Handled / nibbled by the President during the rehearsal; remains on or near the podium.

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